Kenyan Government Defends President’s Expensive State Visit to the US: “Focus on Benefits”
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has addressed concerns raised by Kenyans regarding the cost of flying President William Ruto to the United States for his state visit.
Speaking at a meeting in Nakuru, Mwaura suggested that critics should focus on the benefits of the visit rather than the expense, which will cost taxpayers over Ksh200 million.
In his address, Mwaura emphasized that Kenya stands to gain significantly from the trip and assured that the country would recover the expenses incurred.
He also highlighted the uniqueness of the trip, noting that Ruto is the first African President to be hosted by President Joe Biden on a state visit.
“The president has embarked on a mission to secure benefits for the country, and instead of questioning the fare, we should recognize that he will return with more value than the cost of the plane,” Mwaura stated. “Those questioning the costs—do they not support Kenya? He is the first African President invited for a State Visit by President Joe Biden.”
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However, Mwaura did not clarify whether the trip was funded by the government.
Previously, the US Embassy refuted claims that it was covering the costs of the plane, amid speculation that the US was funding the state visit.
Unlike his earlier travels to the US and other nations, Ruto chose a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet for this trip.
Estimates indicate that Royal Jet, an Abu Dhabi-based airline, charges Ksh2.4 million per hour for the aircraft.
The government has not yet explained why the President did not use the presidential jet, the Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER), which was acquired during former President Daniel Moi’s tenure.
Recently, some leaders have advocated for Kenya to purchase a new jet for the President.
Kenyan Government Defends President’s Expensive State Visit to the US: “Focus on Benefits”